Course Description:

This 2-day course is perfect for beginners who want to learn the fundamentals of cabinetmaking. Students will get hands-on experience using essential tools, learn about basic joinery, and complete a simple cabinet. The course will cover basic woodworking techniques, safety practices, material selection, and installation techniques. Students will leave with their completed project — a wall cabinet — and the skills to take on more complex woodworking projects in the future.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the course, students will:

Gain familiarity with basic cabinetmaking tools (both hand and power tools)
Learn about different types of wood and materials used in cabinetmaking
Understand basic cabinet construction methods and joinery
Create a simple wall cabinet
Understand safety protocols and proper tool usage.

Materials & Equipment:

Safety Gear: Safety glasses (required, provided), hearing protection (recommended, provided), dust mask (recommended for dusty operations, not provided).

Tools: Hand tools (saw, combination square, mallet, clamps, measuring tape) and power tools (table saw, miter saw, drill, router).

Materials: Plywood or MDF, screws, wood glue, sandpaper, and basic hardware (hinges, handles).

Optional: Personal tools if preferred (e.g., clamps, marking tools).

Daily Breakdown:

Day 1: Introduction to Tools, Materials, and Basic Cabinet Construction

Morning Session: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Welcome & Overview (45 mins)

Introduction to the course and expectations.
Overview of safety protocols in the shop.
Introduction to key tools and materials in cabinetmaking.

Understanding Tools (1 hour)

Overview of essential hand tools (tape measure, carpenter’s square, hand saw, mallet, clamps).
Hand power tools: Introduction to track saw, plate jointer, and drill.
Hands-on demonstration of using each tool safely and effectively.

Materials and Design Basics (1 hour, 15 mins)

Overview of materials: Plywood, MDF, and solid wood.
Understanding grain direction, cutting considerations, and wood selection for cabinet projects.
Basic cabinet dimensions and design principles.

Afternoon Session: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Project Setup & Cutting the Cabinet Frame (3 hours)

Introduction to simple cabinet construction: Building a basic case

Hands-on: Cutting and measuring parts of the cabinet (sides, bottom, top).
Introduction to basic joinery: Butt joints (simple joining of two panels).
Assembling the cabinet frame: Using wood glue, biscuits/dowells, and clamps.
Instructor demonstration and student practice with tool setup and cuts.

Day 2: Completing the Project & Finishing Touches

Morning Session: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Finalizing the Cabinet Structure (2 hours)

Hands-on work assembling the cabinet or box.
Installation of basic hardware: Hinges (for doors) or slides (for drawers), if applicable.
Ensuring proper fit and alignment of parts (checking for squareness).
Troubleshooting: Common assembly issues and how to fix them.

Sanding & Surface Prep (1 hour)

Introduction to sanding techniques: Hand sanding vs. power sander.
Preparing the surface for finishing: Removing rough edges, smoothing out glue seams.
How to achieve an even finish on plywood or MDF.

Afternoon Session: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Finishing Your Project (2 hours)

Discussing the pros and cons of different finishing options and the process of applying them.
Final assembly: Installation overview.
Final checks: Ensuring the project is sturdy, functional, and aligned.

Wrap-Up & Review (1 hour)

Review of the techniques learned and any challenges encountered.
Q&A with the instructor.
Recommendations for future cabinetmaking projects.

Required Materials:

All tools and materials will be provided. Students are encouraged to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and clothes they don’t mind getting dirty. Safety glasses, and hearing protection, will be provided. Please bring a dust mask should you wish to wear one during the class.

About Owen:

Owen is a professional cabinetmaker from upstate New York who works as shop foreman at Rowan Woodwork. His past work ranges from historical preservation and replication to modern architectural millwork. He presents at KBIS (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) on the topic of Custom Cabinetry: Trends and Techniques from Inside the Woodshop, giving designers an inside look at what the builders do. Owen’s interest in woodworking sparked early, when he was exposed to his great-grandfather’s work building wooden boats, some of which are still in the family. Owen enjoys the community aspect of woodworking, trading stories and techniques about the craft with mentors, peers, and beginners alike. When he’s not in the shop he loves to spend time with his wife Megan and little dog Otis. His ATFTOAT (all-time favorite tool of all time) is the OLFA 25mm breakaway utility knife.

Cabinetmaking 1: Wall Cabinet